At every occasion, I'll be ready for the funeral
At every occasion, once more, is called the funeral
Every occasion, know I'm ready for the funeral
At every occasion, oh, one million day funeral

-Band of Horses; The Funeral

BPOV

Sometimes things don't work out the way they were intended. Best laid plans that is what it is called. In the weeks following the interview Edward and I had given, a series of things began to happen. One was that I found closure in the matter. I simply didn't care about it anymore, I had Caleb now, a house to make a home and a business to grow with, Edward. The second thing that happened was that I realized I was the only one who had moved on from the matter.

The Cullen's as a collective were still wrapped up in all the drama that was Edward's alleged love child. I simply didn't see all the fuss anymore, the DNA results had proved conclusively that he wasn't the father... he had multiples done to negate any rumor of having paid anyone off. For them now though, it was about getting to the bottom of who had put Theresa up to this.

For days on end it was all I heard about. Investigators dug up this and Carlisle had found that... it was incredibly frustrating. I had finally snapped one evening after about three solid hours of Edward going on and on and on about what he wanted to do when the party responsible was found. He was infatuated with this topic, more so than with his own son... well that's how I had seen it anyway. I flipped my lid after I had asked him to stop talking about it long enough to enjoy some quiet time with Caleb and I, that had lasted about three minutes before he went off sighing about this and that and how it angered him to no end that this had happened. That had been my breaking point.

I placed my sleeping baby in his crib and pulled Edward out into the hall and laid in on him. "I'm sick of it! No more! Who the hell cares! I sure don't! You know what makes me the angriest? You have gone on about this more than anything else in our lives. Whoever derived this little plan is a damn genius if they were trying to break us apart, Edward, because at this moment I don't even feel like I know who you are!"

I had left him standing there in the hall way and grabbed Caleb, not bothering to pack a diaper bag or anything. I left in haste, thankful that all the cars already had carriers inside and buckled up Caleb and hit the road. I was so angry... so absolutely pissed off that I couldn't fathom having to be in that house with him a second longer.

I drove around for a while and let the calming sound of the indie mix soothe my nerves. I was beginning to feel less angry about everything, but not enough to turn around and go home. I was contemplating where I could go for a little while to relax further, but then the damn gas light came on. I sighed and pulled off the exit and turned into the first gas station I could find.

However, upon stopping the engine and opening the gas tank, I realized that in my haste to get away, I had left my purse at home... along with all the money and credit cards. Super.

I got back in the Range Rover and took a deep breath and swallowed my pride. I would have to call, Edward. He would have to come and get us... or at least bring me my purse. Though when I reached over to grab my cell, I realized that too... was sitting on the counter on the charging dock.

I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped my lips as I realized I had been an idiot to leave the way I did. I blamed this one on the hormones though.

I took a look behind and saw Caleb still sleeping peacefully in his seat without a worry in the world. I was just about to dig through the change compartment and head to the pay phone, but when I leaned my head back to roll my eyes at the ceiling, I noticed the very beautiful, always helpful and never been used OnStar button. I smiled victoriously when I hit the button looking like a telephone and it dialed the agent automatically. The voice that picked up explained to me that there was a Cullen Inc listed for emergencies... not Edward. I asked them to dial the building and prayed that whoever answered would listen long enough for me to explain who my husband was and that if I were hung up on, that it would be very, very bad.

"Charles Cullen speaking" I about choked on the air I tried to breath in. He repeated himself once more and it sounded as if he were annoyed and about to hang up. Realizing I would only have to call him right back, I went ahead and let him know it was me.

"Charles, it is Bella... Edwards wife?" I felt like a damn idiot saying that last part. I doubted he needed that full disclosure.

"Bella! To what do I owe this pleasure? Where are you calling from, Sweetheart?" Sweetheart? How the tides had changed. I had been trash not too long ago... but granted... he was trying.

"Well it's all rather embarrassing actually. I left home in a hurry and in the midst of all that quickness, I ran out of gas, left my cellphone, wallet and purse and am now stuck at a gas station without any means of getting gas to go home."

"Oh dear" he sounded a bit nerved but I kept on.

"I haven't used this OnStar thingy ever... but I saw the phone symbol and took a shot, I thought it would call Edward or something." Immediately Charles was firing off questions and took me back a bit.

"Are you alone? What side of town are you in? Are you alright?" I hopped right back in to answer him.

"It's Caleb and I, were not too far... near Cullen Inc actually, do you think you could call Edward and ask him to bring me some cash for gas? That would be really great."

"I'm in the office, Isabella. I already have my keys and am heading down to the garage. What gas station are you at?"

I gave him the directions and when he was sure of where he was headed, I sat back, turned up the radio and waited patiently.

Not much time later, I saw the familiar Cadillac pull up in front of me and watched as Charles stepped out and came to the pay station. I stepped out to thank him and assure him I would get the cost back to him immediately.

"Nonsense, Isabella. It's only gasoline... I's not like I'm giving you a kidney or anything." I smiled at his teasing tone and stood along side him as he pumped the gas for me.

"I called Edward when I got off the phone with you... he was... he was really scared." I stood there gaping at him like a fish out of water as I processed his words and what they meant. "I told him you had ran out of gas and didn't have your cell or purse and he had a hissy fit and a half. I could of sworn he was five and I had taken his toy light saber away all over again."

I wanted to laugh, but the idea of Edward panicked and trying to get a hold of me after I had left was making my stomach turn. He must have been out of his mind with worry. I felt absolutely horrible.

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Isabella. I assured him I was on my way to you and that I would make sure you got home safely."

His words did nothing to ease my guilt though and instead of sticking around to chat with him, I thanked him once more, let him kiss Caleb and headed straight for my home... for my Edward.

When I pulled into the drive, I was met with the vision of Edward barefoot and pacing the cobblestone while he ran his hands through his hair. He looked like a mess and sick with worry. As soon as he recognized the car he ran to the driver side and pulled me into his arms while he sobbed uncontrollably.

"I'm so sorry, baby. I didn't mean to be so stupid... I love you, I love our life, I'll stop talking about anything you don't want to hear! Just please don't leave me! Please don't take Caleb!"

My heart shattered at his words. He had thought the absolute worst when I had left... he thought I was leaving him... thought I was taking our son and going away... as if I could ever do such a thing. I held him to me and stroked at his hair and his back calmingly shushing him and assuring him that that was not the case at all. When he was calm enough, I asked him to get Caleb for me and bring him into the house. He did... and for the rest of the evening, the three of us lay as a family, quietly in our king size bed.

EPOV

I had once thought that when Isabella was admitted into the hospital for bleeding and cramping was the worst feeling possible. I now knew that that simply wasn't the case. The very idea of being without them after I had known what it truly was to have them always was the absolute worst.

I had stood in the hallway for a long while after Isabella grabbed Caleb, I had thought she simply went down stairs to feed or to just escape the altercation, but when I went down stairs to apologize, she was nowhere to be found. I had raced out to the garage and found that she had taken the range rover and Caleb was with her.

In a frenzy I called her cell phone only to hear the damn thing ringing two feet away from me. I couldn't breath for the longest time and after the longest pause in my life, I realized I was hyperventilating. She had left me... she had taken our son and left me.

I sobbed on the kitchen floor while clutching my chest in an effort to alleviate the pain. I don't know how long I had rocked there on the ground, but at some point realization dawned on me that I needed to fight. I got to my knees and wiped at my face furiously in an effort to see better and reached for my cell phone. I was prepared to call every hotel, motel and person in the greater Chicago area, but no sooner than I grabbed my phone, it began ringing. Without even looking at the ID I answered in haste, hoping to all that was good in life that it was her.

It wasn't. It was my grandfather. He went on to tell me that Isabella had contacted him via OnStar and had run out of fuel. I told him immediately that I would go to them, but he assured me that he was already on the road to them and would see to it that she and the baby made it home safely. I didn't hide my fear from him, in fact, I made him promise to be absolutely perfect to her because I was afraid that she would leave with a renewed energy.

Now that I knew she and Caleb were alright, I let myself calm enough to find the words I would need for an apology. I knew she was right... I had let this become the only thing I talked about. I had been in a desperate need lately to find who the culprit was with this lie. But in all of that mess, I had alienated my love... I had not honored her wishes of trying to focus on the good.

In all the hell I had put her through in the last year and half, It was the least I could give her. I began internally scolding myself for having not honored that request the second she had made it. It was the least I could have done for her and yet... I hadn't. On top of that, she was still very emotional about a lot of things. I mean, having a kid does that to you. Couple that with the hell she had endured from me in the beginning and she deserved this melt down.

I decided to wait in the front yard for her, I couldn't simply stay inside as if I hadn't cared in the least that she had left.

So in haste I ran out front without even bothering for shes and walked the beaten cobblestone path while I awaited her and Caleb's arrival. I'm not sure how much time had gone by, but one moment I was walking and the next I was running to the driver side door and pulling the love of my life into my arms.

I apologized for everything... I begged for forgiveness and pleaded with her to never leave me... to never take our family from me.

In my loves arms I heard her whisper her devotion and apologies. She quickly assured me that she just wanted to go for a drive and that she would never dream of breaking from me. I breathed a bit easier but not completely. I had carried my son back into our home and lay quietly with my two reasons to live on our bed while she fed him by breast and I took turns stroking at her arm and his soft cheek.

When they were both asleep, I made a vow to drop the hate and let the pieces fall where they would. Whoever had concocted this horrible story had now stirred animosity in my home and I for one was not willing to let anything... especially a lie come between my family and our happiness.

This was going to be a new experience for me, I had never been the type to forgive and forget, but as I lay next to Isabella, I began imagining the way things were looking from her eyes. She was warms, soft and extremely forgiving. She didn't carry around the same kind of vendettas that I did... that my family did. I could see how this would be unnerving for her, and looking back to the past weeks, I could see just how much I had alienated our new life together... how much attention I had given the scandal versus my wife and baby.

Shame once more swept over me, but this time I didn't wallow. I embraced the emotion with open arms and made a promise to both Isabella and Caleb that I would not ever do that again. I constantly go on about how much they mean to me, and now it was time I start showing it.

BPOV

Caleb was now two months old and life had become even more hectic than ever. There was an uneasiness in the Cullen family right now and that mostly revolved around Edward and his decision to either continue on with launching his own business or return to Cullen Inc. I knew how hard this was for him... well, not really, but I could truly imagine what stress he was over it.

On the one hand, Cullen Inc was a family business. The only reason he had left was because Charles had fired him after he chose to stay with Caleb and I. I know that him being fired for that still hurt him... I believe Charles knew it too.

I did my best to stay supportive and understanding about the choice he would have to make, and I prayed intently that if he chose to go his own way that we would not encounter animosity from anyone... anyone being Charles.

One evening as I was feeding the baby and resting my eyes, there was a kiss to my temple and a sigh of contentment while a forehead rested against my own. When I opened my eyes, Edward was sitting on the ottoman with tired eyes and what looked to be a heavy heart.

I didn't comment on his appearance, so for the longest while he simply sat with me in a comfortable silence as he watched Caleb drift closer and closer to sleep. When his eyes were shut and my breast was free, I prepared to right him over my shoulder for a burp. Instead though, Edward silently reached for him and when I gently placed his son in his arms he waited for me to fix my shirt and together we made our way to our master bedroom.

I sat along side Edward as he gently patted Caleb's back and dropped precious kisses to his little head. The image of that will forever be something I ache for, it is an image I didn't think I would ever see... but now, this was our daily life.

When Caleb released his gas, we chuckled and then Edward quietly carried him back to the nursery and I turned on the monitor to watch him.

Moments later Edward returned to me and collapsed on the bed as if exhausted. I had no doubt that he was indeed worn out, he had been working like a mad man at getting things organized and having a business plan set out if he indeed planned to continue on with his own venture. He spent countless hours in his office, most of which was spent on the phone with various companies in which he was looking to do business with.

He'd kept to his word though, when he was with Caleb and I... he was with only us. No business talk, no scandal talk... just family.

"I'm not going back to Cullen Inc..." he whispered into my lap as I stroked at his hair and scratched as his back. I didn't hesitate to answer his confession.

"Will that make you happy?" He simply nodded into my lap and wrapped his arms around my waist in response. I was just about to tell him that I was behind him one hundred percent but then he finished his reasoning.

"I know that the past is the past... I know that things that were said before have no meaning in the present. Especially now that Caleb is here and everyone loves him so much... love you both so much." He sat up on his haunches then and his eyes were full of pain. Instantly I reached for him and dragged him up the length of my body. He flipped us then and I rested above him, straddling his hips as he continued on with his explanation.

"I can never forgive the way my grandfather treated you... the way he spoke of both you and Caleb. The way he asked me to throw you both away..." At those words he closed his eyes, tensed his jaw and pulled me forward to rest on his body fully then kept on, "I can move on, I can let the past be in the past, but if I were to return to Cullen Inc, I would always feel like I had betrayed you and our son in some way... I... I need to move on from there, there is nothing left for me in that business."

I kissed at his chest gently and traced patterns near his ribs. I didn't say anything in response to that, what could I say that would even come near good? I didn't have his worries... I didn't have to work there and hear things that he did. I didn't have my grandfather ridicule my child before he was born... but Edward did.

Instead of words I simply stayed where I was and held him as he held me. This was going to be the end of that chapter, and the start of his new company would be a resurrection of sorts. A baptism for the new... we would all start fresh, and I for one would make every effort to see that he succeeded. Edward is smart, driven and calculated when it comes to business. All he needed in way of me was to ensure that he was publicized correctly. Everything else would follow.

The Following afternoon I spent time alone at the house cleaning and just relaxing. Edward had taken Caleb out on a jog with him to give me some time. I have to admit, Edward was a gorgeous man and always attracted attention, but whenever he had Caleb with him, he exuded hotness. Women flocked to his sides at all times when we were out... and it didn't matter to the chicks if I were there or not, they flirted shamelessly anyway. However, Edward never gave them attention. He would simply thank them for their compliment about Caleb and move us away quickly. I found the whole thing rather funny actually.

I was just finishing up in the kitchen when the house phone rang and shocked to hear Charles on the other end.

He asked me to join him for dinner... just the two of us. I stood with the receiver to my ear and a look of absolute shock written across my face. I had no idea why he would want to have dinner with just me.

I have to admit, I was intimidated by the old curmudgeon in a bow tie. He had cajones... and I wasn't exactly one for confrontation.

Against my self preservation's screaming inside of me, I said okay and made plans to meet with him later that evening.

When Edward arrived home, I didn't tell him immediately. Instead I let him shower and fed Caleb to bide myself some time. I wondered if he would be angry... maybe nervous. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach about the whole situation but decided that sooner or later I would have to get over my nerves. Charles was a big part of this family and either way I looked at it, he was a part of my life now. I could not put this off any longer.

When Edward emerged from the shower, I had a new sense of confidence. I told him with absolute certainty that I was having dinner with his grandfather... alone. He didn't respond as I had thought he would. Instead of frustration or worry, he simply smiled, kissed my forehead and nodded his acceptance. "I didn't think this would happen so quickly... so soon."

I looked on with confusion but Edward continued on for me. "He called me some time ago, shortly after Caleb was born. He... well I' sure he'll explain himself." Nothing more was said.

As I looked myself over one last time, I noticed Edwards reflection staring at me from the door way. The way he simply watched me got me hot and bothered.

"You look absolutely beautiful, Isabella." He came up then and kissed at my neck and ear as he cupped my breast. The room suddenly became very hot and I quickly forgot that I was supposed to be leaving anywhere.

We hadn't been sexual yet... Edward had been too worried about me not being ready. Even after the doctor told us it was okay, he felt like we needed to wait just a bit longer. I didn't push it, because I had some serious pudge going on that needed to be rectified. But now... now I didn't give a care about anything other than having my husband once more.

I was about to turn then and attack his lips. He stopped me from turning though and chuckled low while continuing to torture me with his touch. "I'll be waiting for you... hurry home, love"

I was about to scold him for teasing me but as if he could read my mind he answered my unasked question. "You look stunning tonight... absolutely gorgeous. I wanted to make sure that you remember what's waiting here at home for you before I release you out into the evening where the wolves are sure to descend."

I wanted to tease him, but that compliment meant too much to me. I was starting to feel pretty again... and Edward was the reason for that.

When I arrived at the restaurant, I was met with photographers snapping pictures of me and asking who I was meeting. I knew all too well now that if you didn't answer, they would usually answer for you. To avoid a nasty rumor I went ahead and answered them. "I am having dinner with Charles Cullen, my new grandfather." That answer seemed to quiet the questions and as soon as I entered the lavish lounge I was ushered to the table where Charles was already waiting.

"Isabella! You look stunning, a true sight for sore eyes."

For about ten minutes we made small talk. We spoke of Caleb, Edward... the house, everything. I could tell he was a bit nervous, but I tried to ease that by chattering away about redecorating and plans for a trip to see my father. Just as we ordered a bottle of wine and the waiter walked away, Charles took a deep breath and began.

"I spoke with Edward recently about his returning to Cullen Inc."

Oh shit.

"He is not coming back..." I nodded y understanding and took a deep breath. I wasn't sure what direction we were about to go in, and I was unprepared to deal with him asking me to convince Edward otherwise. All the same though, Charles continued on.

"I know that it is because of the way I have treated you, the way I spoke of both Caleb and you both." I sat stunned into silence, still not knowing where this was going. "I want you to know that I truly am sorry for everything, Isabella. There is no excuse or reasoning good enough to excuse such poor behavior. I suppose it is fitting that the dream I had wanted to build is now going to die... I am the only one to blame for this outcome."

What do you say to that? The manners in me was about to tell him "No, Charles, that is not the case at all, don't be so hard on yourself" But that would have been a damn lie. Instead of making him feel better, I went ahead and confirmed his feelings.

"Edward and I have spoken... not at length about it, but... well he and I have spoken" Charles simply nodded and I continued on. "He simply can't forget, Charles... it pains him to think about."

"I know" was all he responded with.

Just then our wine appeared and we ordered a light meal. When we were alone again, Charles continued.

"I am a proud man, Isabella. A stupid one at that, but all the same... prideful." He took a drink and a deep breath then finished his statement. "I was so lost in my arrogance that I forgot what it means to be a good person. You are an amazing young woman, an exceptional mother and from Edward tells me a very intelligent business partner."

I gasped. Edward saw me as his business partner? I hadn't thought about myself as that, but looking at the way I did things, I could see how he would feel that way.

"I think sometimes you feel as if I have changed the way I treat you because I am trying to keep the peace" I gasped again, because that is exactly how I felt. "I assure you that that is not the case. I was wrong, I have been wrong about a lot of things. I am different because I can see things clearly now, not for any other reason."

Those words alone seemed to lighten the weight on my shoulders. I had constantly felt as if the way Charles was to me came simply out of obligation to the Cullen's... or even just to be able to see Caleb. I was about to say those very words aloud, but before I could, Charles pulled a long velvet box from his coat pocket and placed it on the table before me.

I looked at him with question and he simply smiled gently and pushed the long box gently toward my hands.

When I opened it, I was met with a delicate string of pearls. They were a pale pink and crème color that took my breath away. I gently touched them with my fingers to admire the beautiful strand. Just then Charles spoke up.

"They were my mothers..."

I looked up to meet his eyes with a gasp. I could feel the tears before I recognized the sentiment building inside of me.

"My father gave the to my mother and my mother gave them to Emily... my late wife."

I returned my gaze to the beautiful gift resting in my hands. "Oh Charles, it's gorgeous..."

"Emily wanted Edward to have them... to give to his wife on the day of their wedding." That had done it, I was now dropping tears and blinking furiously to be able to see the pearls. "I'm sorrier than you can ever know about the way things turned out. Emily would have loved you... she would have been proud to have you wear those. I wish I would have been man enough to admit that long ago, then maybe you would have fulfilled that dream for her."

I was about to thank him once more but he beat me to it. "It's better late than never, Isabella. Welcome to the family."

We spent the evening talking and laughing. I no longer felt as if I were the ball and chain that simply came with having Edward in his life... I was family now.

I truly felt it now.